Biology
Fossils Throw Mammalian Family Tree into Disarray
Studies disagree on whether Jurassic haramiyids were true mammals
Stories by Sid Perkins
Evolution
Oldest Primate Skeleton Unveiled
The near-complete remains of a tiny creature support the idea of an early origin for the lineage that led to humans
Evolution
Infant Tooth Reveals Neandertal Breast-Feeding Habits
An analysis of chemicals in primate teeth shows that a Neandertal infant nursed exclusively for a little more than seven months
Evolution
Triassic Extinction Tied to Massive Lava Spills
A dating technique has pinned down four volcanic eruptions that may have triggered the extinction event that cleared the way for dinosaurs to dominate Earth for the next 135 million years...
Environment
Global Average Temperatures Are Close to 11,000-Year Peak
By the end of this century, Earth is set to get hotter than at any time since the last ice age
The Sciences
Long-Lost Continent Found under the Indian Ocean
A grain-by-grain analysis of sand from Mauritian beaches reveals rock from an ancient landmass
Environment
Seismic Risk in Eastern U.S. May Be Higher Than Previously Thought
An analysis of the 2011 magnitude 5.8 Virginia earthquake suggests seismic waves generated near U.S. cities on the east coast might be amplified and preferentially directed toward the northeast...
Environment
Death Toll from Landslides Vastly Underestimated
An improved database shows that thousands more people die annually from landslides than was thought
Environment
Glacial Lakes May Affect Sea-Level Rise
Scientists are tracking how water atop Greenland's ice sheet pools and drains. The findings could help predict future rises in sea level
Space & Physics
Tidal Evidence Suggests Water Sloshes Beneath Titan's Icy Crust
New results make it clear that Saturn's moon Titan is one of the solar system's subset of large satellites with oceans
Computing
Dial-a-Flood: A New Smart Phone App Helps Residents and Researchers Predict Storm Surges
A new app and Web site may make it easier to predict storm surges
Evolution
Dangerous Volcano Spurs Rival Nations to Cooperate
The volcano beneath this calm-looking lake has grown restive, inspiring a rare collaboration between Chinese and Korean scientists
Evolution
Pacific Quakes Portend Little for U.S. West Coast
A series of major earthquakes have struck below the Pacific Ocean in less than a year and a half. Could the West Coast be next?
Environment
Could the Recent Pacific Megaquakes Trigger a West Coast Temblor?
A series of major earthquakes have struck beneath the Pacific Ocean in less than a year and a half. Could the U.S. west coast be next?
